Attention: The EPA has come out with requirements for those who have Underground Storage Tanks and also for those inspecting them.

These are mostly in regards to responsibility and accountability – these are on the homeowner.

One of the first things that they must have is a system installed that detects releases. Owners and operators must actively manage and report any spills or leaks that they find to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Understanding the UST’s

At its most basic level, an Underground Storage Tank is any tank (including piping) that is at least 10% below the surface of the ground. These tanks could potentially hold anything, but the main concern here is when they contain fuel, petroleum, or other hazardous materials. This is why the EPA came out with specific guidelines for these types of UST’s in 2015, along with congressional acts dating back to the 80’s.

Risks Involved

UST’s are made of quality metal, but it wasn’t always this way. Forty years ago they used steel tanks, which showed corrosion after years of use. This led to leaks and spills of dangerous substances, especially as many were not caught until it had leaked into the soil. This can get into the belowground water supply, which feeds into much of our drinking water in America. There is also the chance of explosions or fires in these scenarios (Read more on the Problems of USTs here).